Polymarket grabbed headlines during the 2024 election cycle, but many US users still wonder if they can legally trade on the platform in 2026. The short answer is no. Polymarket blocks American IP addresses and requires users to confirm they aren’t US residents. However, the story doesn’t end there. Some traders use VPNs to bypass these restrictions, while regulators continue to refine the rules around prediction markets. Understanding what changed after Polymarket’s settlement with the CFTC helps you navigate this evolving landscape safely.
The Polymarket geofence and what it blocks
Polymarket uses IP-based geofencing to prevent US users from accessing the platform. When you visit the site from a US address, you see a notice stating the service isn’t available in your region. The platform also asks users to self-certify they aren’t US persons during account creation.
This approach mirrors how many crypto exchanges handle US restrictions. Polymarket checks your IP, browser fingerprint, and device location. If any signal suggests you’re in the United States, the site denies access. The company took these steps after settling with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission in 2022.
Geofence detection mechanics
The system relies on multiple data points beyond your IP address. Browser language settings, time zone data, and even payment methods can reveal your true location. Sophisticated users might mask one signal, but platforms often cross-reference several indicators to enforce compliance.
Why some US users still access via VPN
Despite the geofence, some American traders use virtual private networks to appear as if they’re browsing from another country. A VPN routes your traffic through servers in places like the UK or Singapore, masking your US location. This workaround lets users create accounts and trade on Polymarket.
The practice remains common because enforcement focuses on the platform, not individual users. Polymarket faces regulatory pressure to block US access, but the CFTC doesn’t typically pursue individual traders who bypass geofences. That said, using a VPN to circumvent these restrictions violates Polymarket’s terms of service and could put your account at risk.
Legal risk for individuals vs platforms
Platforms face the bulk of legal consequences when they operate without proper US registration. Polymarket paid a $1.4 million fine and agreed to wind down unregistered US operations. The CFTC holds exchanges accountable for offering event contracts without approval.
Individual users face minimal direct legal risk. No US trader has been prosecuted simply for using Polymarket via VPN. However, your account could be frozen if the platform detects you’re in the US. You might also struggle to withdraw funds or face tax reporting complications.
The 2026 settlement and what changed
After the 2022 settlement, Polymarket committed to blocking US users and shutting down US-facing operations. By 2026, the platform operates exclusively outside American jurisdiction. The settlement didn’t ban prediction markets in the US, but it forced Polymarket to choose between compliance and exclusion.